I Can Do Anything Revisited

Some of you probably though I had given up on this blog. Honestly. I had lost my inspiration. I kept coming here and starting to click that new post button and write my heart out, but nothing would come. Especially after I told you about my hubby-- I didn't know how to compete! However, I was hit with with a thought as I was emailing Elder Dennis Squared.

Fist off, Elder Dennis Squared are my two brothers. Cameron is serving in Peru and he's got just under a year left, and Brandon is serving in the Philippines and he just left last August. Yes. I was a basket-case, but that's not the point. I am incredibly proud of them and I wouldn't want them to be in any other place. I try to email them once a week, and I'm usually pretty good about it. Most of the time I try to add a quote with it and my thoughts on it. When Cameron first went out I shared a message that I shared with Brandon once he was out. I've also shared this with you previously, but I wanted to readdress it and add some more thoughts.

 You can do anything for six months.

This was what my grandma told me when I vented to her about my struggles. And it's actually something I think about quite often, but with a little twist.

You can do anything for (insert time here). Whether that be one more minute of my workout, one more hour of my shift, one more day of the week, one more week before a break, etc. When I sent this to Elder Dennis Squared I really stressed changing the time. I know how much I struggle with going somewhere new, so I definitely can relate a little to them, but not really. I kept telling Brandon that he could do anything for a day or a month or a year (or two)! However, sometimes all we have strength for is the next minute. And after that minute is up tell yourself you can do it for one more. Before you know it, it will all be over and you won't know what hit you! So, here are my thoughts to you. Be the little engine that could...even if it's only one minute, or one second, at a time. With that attitude, anything is possible. :)

Life is Like a Camera

Have you ever made a decision in your life that you regret?

I know I have.

I also know that sometimes it's hard to move on from this--or to have others not be able to forgive you for your decisions. Sometimes I feel like it would just be easier to just stop and forget everything. However, this will not help us. Life is all about moving forward--progression, new adventures, accomplishing goals, educating ourselves, experiencing emotions, and enjoying every moment. I came across this quote a few months ago and haven't been able to let it go---and obviously I haven't had enough inspiration until now to share it with you.



We are constantly taking mental pictures, and, just like a real camera, we have images we want to keep and images we would rather not see again. We can always keep those positive images and look upon them with fond memories and share them. When we have negative images we must choose to learn from our mistake and move on. This is the hardest part. We can't let our own thoughts hinder our progression; however, we also can't let others opinions of our past hinder our progression. We will always be able to 'just take another shot.'

I've shared many times that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through my church we learn of the Atonement that Jesus Christ performed in order for us to move on from our sins and be completely forgiven. I have used this saving power many times in my life, and I would like to testify to you all that it is true. Jesus Christ died for us because He loves us and wants us to have the ability to return to Him one day as a perfected being. I know that through the Atonement we can 'develop from our negatives...and take another shot.' We are not perfect, but we can become perfect through Christ.

Don't stress about past mistakes. We are meant to learn and become better people through decisions that we have made. You are worth everything; don't forget that. There is always room for more shots, and we can always look back on our positive images for motivation and great memories.

Everything will be alright

Pretty much I've come to the conclusion that nothing stays the same. Shocker, right? I know it's taken me a while to figure this out, but we all know how I deal with change. I like to believe that everything will just stay the same. Obviously there will be little changes and I can manage that, but, of course, I always get proven wrong and HUGE changes come my way constantly. I'm slowly becoming okay with this, and I'm a little more willing to accept change head on. Slowly being the key word. However, along with my realization of nothing staying the same, I've realized that things will be okay in the end.

 

I like how this quote words it. When we go through struggles we always say everything will be alright. Everything is going to work out and we will get through this. However, just because we get through it doesn't mean that everything will be just as it was when we started. I know that's a simple phrase, and it seems really obvious, but I think it's important for us to recognize this in our lives. Things change and that's alright. :)

Who Moved My Cheese?

At the beginning of last semester I shared my reaction to change. I don't like it and I usually approach it with hesitancy. My dad has been advising me to read a certain book that talks about change. I'll admit, I wasn't too excited to read a book about change. I figured it would be boring, and that I wouldn't be able to really glean anything from it. This book is called Who Moved My Cheese?, and I'll be honest, the name didn't exactly make me want to read it either.

I mean, it seemed a little cheesy... no pun intended.

However, this semester I finally buckled down and read it...it took me about 45 minutes, and I felt like it was definitely worth my time. I don't want to give the whole story away, because this post would be a lot longer than you want to read. I just want to recommend it to you. If you ever feel like you are resistant to change (and let's be honest, who isn't?), you should read this book. It really put things into perspective for me, and I think everybody would benefit from reading it.

Although I don't want to retell the story here for you, I do want to share the insights that it gave me. One of the characters, Haw, writes his words of wisdom down as he is dealing with change. If you don't ever read the book, I think it would be good to at least see these thoughts.

Hope

The other week I was asked to give a talk on hope. At first I was a little intimidated, because I didn't really know how to address it. I decided to look through my posts to see if I had already written about and I came across The Power of Hope. This clip has such a powerful message, and it helped me to get a start on my talk, so I wanted to share it with you.

Now, I would like you all to think of a time where you were very scared, or where you felt completely lost…

For me, this was my first semester of college. I’m from little old Rexburg, and I’ve lived here my whole life. However, instead of coming to BYU-Idaho, I went to BYU-Hawaii first. I know, pretty chill life, why would I have complained? Well, I’ll say right now that I absolutely loved it and I would go back in a heartbeat; at the time though I was terrified. It was my first time being away from home permanently for a long period of time. Some of you might understand my situation. It was hard to not be close to my family and participate in traditions and go to my brother’s soccer games and have girls’ nights with my little sister. I remember being terrified that I wouldn’t be able to make any friends and that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy myself. Once I got there I felt completely lost. Laie is very different than Rexburg. I didn’t know where to go or who to turn to, and it was a struggle. However, there was one thing that kept me going. What do you think it was?

I want you all to think back to your times where you were scared or lost and think of how you made it through. Did hope have any play in your ability to keep going?

For those of you who know me, I love The Hunger Games. My ringtone is even Rue’s whistle. :) At one point President Snow explains that the reason they have a victor is because of hope. He states, “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.”

Now, I don’t necessarily love President Snow, but I do agree with this statement. If there was nothing stronger than fear we wouldn’t be able to overcome it. However, just because there is something stronger than fear doesn’t mean we automatically overcome it. Hope is a choice, but what exactly is hope?

We all have hopes and dreams. However, I think that this look at hope diminishes its real power. I read a talk by Larry Miller called Hope: The Misunderstood Sister. He explains how there are three sisters: faith, charity and hope. Faith is the most talked about sister. She leads the way so that we can find our way back to our Heavenly Father. Charity is who we aspire to be like. She is always kind and genuine. However, hope is often used in a sense of keeping our fingers crossed so that all will work out; it’s not very reliable. But, "Hope is anything but wishful. It is expectation based on experience." He shares a poem that I felt was very applicable to life.

Walking with Two Sisters

Faith walks before me,

Holding up her lamp

As I try not to stumble in the ink-dark hours before the dawn.

Her light illuminates

One step and then another.

Beside me, Hope, arm linked with mine, encourages and steadies.

Sometimes in the tedium,

Distracted by the pain,

My mind begins to wander, then my feet. I hesitate.

Unsure, I look to Hope.

Her hand takes mine.

The touch reminds me of another hand held out to me,

One pierced and scarred

Yet oh so tender

Lifting me and blessing me when I had fallen and despaired.

Remembering,

I move ahead

Buoyed up by Hope, who sees the end with perfect clarity.

Because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement we can have hope throughout our life. (Moroni 7:40-43 explains this well!)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared the following statement in this talk The Infinite Power of Hope;

The Lord has given us a reassuring message of hope: "Fear not, little flock." God will wait with "open arms to receive" those who give away their sins and continue in faith, hope, and charity. And to all who suffer--to all who feel discouraged, worried or lonely--I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the Love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart."

Hope is always looking for the best. An easy way to think this way is to just look at the word. The first letters form a sentence. Have Only Positive Expectations. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Things will work out. Keep trying. Be believing. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out.”

Trials are going to come our way and we need to be looking for the positive outcomes. However, hope does not mean that we turn a blind eye to the world. I found a quote on Pinterest…don’t judge me… that sums this up very well. “Hope is not pretending that troubles don’t exist. It is the hope that they won’t last forever. That hurts will be healed and difficulties overcome. That we will be lead out of the darkness and into the sunshine.”

Because of the Gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we can have hope in everything. This can provide us with stable ground to live our lives from. Hope is necessary for us to be happy. 

(Some great scriputers are Ether 12:4 and Moroni 10:20-22)

President Thomas S Monson tells us, “I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.”

We must have hope to reach the limits God has set for us. We may not feel like we can stretch as far as He wants, but He will never put something in front of us that we cannot do. We have hope that He will always be there for us.

Now, I’ve spent the majority of my talk on keeping hope within yourself, but I wanted to mention something quickly. Although we need to have this kind of hope we also need to instill hope in others. Sometimes you are the reason somebody has hope. They cling to your support and strength in their life and you help them to move forward. Never give up an opportunity to be hope for somebody else. Sometimes all it takes is an arm of comfort, a shoulder to cry on, a memory to remember, or a laugh to share. Be there star in the darkness. We all look to one another to find hope, and we need to remember to have charity towards all and help life each other up.

Neal A. Maxwell said, “Genuine hope is urgently needed in order to be more loving even as the love of many waxes cold; more merciful, even when misunderstood or misrepresented; more holy, even as the world ripens in iniquity; more courteous and patient in a coarsening and curt world; and more full of heartfelt hope, even when other men’s hearts fail them. Whatever our particular furrow, we are to ‘plow in hope,’ without looking back or letting yesterday hold tomorrow hostage (1 Cor. 9:10).”

I would like to leave you with a little “Knapsack of Hope.”

A star to remind you to keep shining.

A paper clip to help you hold your things together.

An eraser to fix all the small mistakes.

A lock to keep all your secrets safe.

A penny so that you’re never broke.

A rubber band to help you stretch beyond your limits.

I know that hope is very important in this gospel, and I pray that you can always keep it in mind.

Hope is not just a careless wish, it is the rock that holds us steady when we sway, it is the anchor that keeps us firm when we drift, it is the Savior walking with us step by step always encouraging, it is the voice at the end of the day saying keep moving forward I am here with you always.

Attitude

Life. In short, it's all over the place and you never know what's going to happen. It could be great, or it could be down-right awful. However, it's how we view this craziness that determines how much we enjoy life.

When it comes to roller coasters screaming and enjoying the ride are basically simultaneous in my book. When it comes to life, on the other hand, they are definitely separate chapters.

There are ups and downs every day. Whether they be big downs and small ups, or small ups and big downs; or maybe even big ups and downs, or small ups and downs. Those ups and downs are always there, but it's up to us how much we focus on them and make them a part of our life.

Imagine a day where everything is going wrong... I can think of multiple. Some of them I wake up feeling on top of the world, and then I actually get out of bed and everything that could possibly go wrong does, and I don't know how I'm going to handle it. This is when you need to focus on the ups.

In an earlier post I mentioned that we need to enjoy the simple things. This is so true. Think of anything positive in your day; anything. Great hair day, sunshine, you talked to someone cute, you got to class on time, someone smiled at you... maybe you can't pick out anything little, but at the end of the day think, 'hey! This day is over, and tomorrow can bring something better!'

Yeah... a little bit cheesy and a lot a bit cliche...but seriously.

You have so much power over how you view life. Of course there are things out of your control; your car breaks down, you get sick, group members don't help out, issues with people, too much to do and the list could go on forever. Literally. It's easy to focus on these downs and pretty much be miserable. But we are not here to be miserable. We are here to live the best life that we can.

Attitude is everything. Wake up each day saying 'I am going to rock today.' No matter what comes your way you are going to make the best of it. I'm not saying this is easy to do. Personally, I epically fail at this most days. Nevertheless, when I do have this positive attitude it makes all the difference.

Let's be honest. Everything could be going wrong in your life. You have no hope, and nothing is ever going to be the same again, but choose to love what's going right, because I guarantee that there is at least one thing going right and whether that one thing be big or small; it's worth it.

Noah's Ark

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark.

1- Don't miss the boat.
2- Remember that we are all in the same boat!
3- Plan ahead; it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
4- Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5- Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6- Build your future on high ground.
7- For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
8- Speed isn't always an advantage; the snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9- When you're stressed, float awhile.
10- Remember, the Ark was build by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
11- No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Find Joy in the Journey

I'm apologizing right now for a longer post...but I just kept having thoughts! And there are some really good quotes, so you should keep reading ;)

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

~President Gordon B Hinckley~

Things are going to come up in life and you are not going to like it. For example, a few Fridays ago was crazy for me. I had homework starting at 7 until 9, and then classes from 9 until 11:15, and then I had to run to the testing center and take a test and a quiz… which I did not do very well on. Then I hurried to my next class at 1, and then at 2 I finally was able to head to my apartment. However, this did not mean I had down time. I still worked on homework, and then I had to get ready for work from 4-10. I got off work and then went to visit with my mom for a couple hours, and when I got back to my apartment I had homework until 1. Can you say crazy? I had been dreading that day all week (and it was a FRIDAY for crying out loud!), and when it finally came I didn’t even have time to think.

As I reflected on my thoughts for the day they were mostly negative. I don't have enough time! I'm exhausted! Work? I still have homework! I just am no good because I can never pass a test/quiz in this class... and, trust me, the list went on.

However, as I relived my thoughts I came across good things that made my day better and caused a little smile to escape in the madness. They weren't huge... just simple, random things throughout my day.

Simple, rejuvenating experiences surround us.
~Richard G. Scott~

The girl who said good morning with a cheery smile as I walked to class...

Tripping over myself, but regaining balance and just laughing...

The boy whistling for all the world to hear...

The boy jamming out with his headphones in, not a care in the world...

Laughter and smiles from people I knew, and people I didn't know...

And that list goes on too...

I recently read a talk by Elder Joseph B Wirthlin where he gives us 4 steps to help us find joy in life…

Learn to laugh--I couldn't help but think of my snowboarding experience. :)

Seek for the eternal--Always keep your goals focused on an eternal perspective...not an earthly one.

Understand the principle of compensation--The Lord will bless you, even if it doesn’t come at a time that you want.

Trust in the Lord--Put your trust in the Lord, do your best, and He will do the rest.-Joseph B Wirthlin

If we keep these 4 steps in mind we can be happy eternally. My absolute favorite quote from Joseph B Wirthlin is, “Come what may and love it.” No matter what happens in life, find the positive side and focus on it...even if it's not so grand, it will seem better.

“Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself.”

~Richard G. Scott~

This means that life will go on. Every trial that we go through will come to an end eventually. That end may be far away, but it will come. "Everything will be okay in the end; if it's not okay, it's not the end." We need to remember this… keep everything in perspective and keep living life. “Come what may and love it.” Don’t let events get you down.

A lot of times I find myself worrying about the future… graduation, marriage, family, a career, and the list goes on. Sometimes I get weighed down with everything that I’m going to have to do and I forget about my life right now in the present. President Thomas S Monson tells us, “I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.”

Don’t worry about what is going to happen. Yes, you should prepare for it, but don’t spend time worrying about when it’s going to happen and what you are going to do when it does. That will all come with time, and you should just live life now. When I get stressed my dad tells me to live life one day at a time. That's what I try to do. Don’t worry about tomorrow when you’ve still got today.

We only live life once and we should make the most of it. President Monson also tells us, “Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.”

I hope you will be able to live life in the now. Don’t worry about what you are going to do in the future. Live in the present, put your trust in the Lord, learn and live the gospel... and learn to laugh. I promise you that you will find joy in your life if you do this. I know that the Lord is on our side. He knows what’s best for us and He will help us throughout life, even if it's just through the simple things we encounter every day.

Think of Yourself as a Pencil...

1- Everything you do will leave a mark.

2- You can correct any mistakes that you make.

3- What is most important is always inside of you.

4- In life, you will go through painful sharpenings to make you better.

5- To be the best you can be, you have to allow yourself to be held and guided.

That One Rule

I know that I get caught up in what others think... too much. I worry and stress over how somebody else is going to view me and my actions, heck, even just my looks. I know, kinda shallow, but I'm just being honest.

Anyways. I think we all get caught up in this constant chase of pleasing everyone around us. Let's be honest. You are never going to please everyone. Sorry if I burst some bubbles there, but it's the truth. No matter what you do, there will always be at least one person who disagrees. If we all know that, then why do we still worry so much about what everyone else will think?

This quote just put my thoughts into perspective a little bit. They are going to judge regardless, so why should we waste energy pretending to be somebody we aren't? Be the best you that you can be.

Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.

~Judy Garland~

About all you can do in life is be who you are. Some people will love you for you. Most will love you for what you can do for them, and some won't like you at all.

~Rita Mae Brown~

...be yourself-not your idea of what you think somebody else's idea of yourself should be.

~Henry David Thoreau~

Life

Don't take anything for granted. You may not love it right now, but, in the end, it will be worth it. In the end you'll look back and appreciate everything that's happened, because all of your moments make you you.

Everything will be okay in the end, if it's not okay, it's not the end.

~Unknown~

Deepest Fear

~Marianne Williamson~

I love this quote. It really puts things into perspective as to how we view ourselves. As I read the red text at the beginning I think, "Yes! That is my deepest fear." I don't measure up to people around me, and there is so much more I could be doing to be living a better life...to be a better person. 

As I continue to read I don't change my view to think that I am powerful beyond measure, but I keep reading... "You are a child of God." I am a daughter of God, and I have so much potential just knowing that.

"We are all meant to shine." I need to be 'shining,' or sharing what I believe and who I am. By not doing this I am providing a disservice towards those around me. Everybody should share what they believe in and be themselves for all the world to see.

I believe in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that we lived in a spirit world before this earth and we decided to come here and live our lives fully. We knew of the trials we would face, but we also knew that God would be there for us. I know that God is there for me whenever I need Him. All I need to do is ask and do my best and He will meet me halfway. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that He atoned for my sins so that I will be able to return to the highest degree of glory in the Celestial kingdom. I  know that we have this full gospel on the earth today because of Joseph Smith. I know that he saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and they helped him to restore the Church. I know that the prophets and leaders we have today are called of God and that they are helping us to stay on the straight and narrow path and lead a happy life. I know that I love this gospel and all that it has done for me in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

www.lds.org

A Little Advice

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you don' t know anything about this religion I invite you to got to our website to learn about it. I have been a member my whole life, and I honestly love the gospel I am taught within it. I came across this talk by Elder F. Enzio Busche and it is really inspiring. I hope you take the time to listen to it... even if you are not a member of my church.

Perspective

My last post was about enjoying the simple things in life. I came across this story that I think is a great example of appreciating the little things in life, so I figured I would just share it.

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the
express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
 Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends! 
 "Life is too short and friends are too few."

Interesting, right?